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Kitchen Focus

As the hottest part of the year descends on us, many will spend time hiding from the heat by flocking to air conditioned rooms. My suggestion? Spend some of that time indoors creating spice blends to use in your cooking, whether it be on the stove, in the oven or on the grill. Here are a few of my favorites!

Place the cinnamon sticks and nutmegs into a heavy freezer bag. Hit the spices with the bottom of a small heavy skillet to break them into small pieces. Place them in a bowl and stir in the orange peel, lemon peel, allspice, cloves, and ginger.

Place about 2 tablespoons of the spice mixture in the center of each cheesecloth square. Tie securely with the string. If giving as a gift, be sure to include the recipe instructions (below).

Mulled Wine Recipe Instructions

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup white granulated sugar

3-1/4 cups (750 ml bottle) red wine

1 mulling spice bag

Combine the water and sugar in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the wine and spice bag. Heat very slowly over low heat, only until small bubbles form around the edge and the wine is very hot. Do not boil. Discard the spice bag and serve hot.

Mulled Apple Cider Recipe Instructions

8 cups (1/2 gallon) apple cider

1 mulling spice bag

Place the apple cider in a 3-quart saucepan and add the spice bag. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Discard the spice bag and serve hot.